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Welcome to Close Call Sports. CCS objectively tracks and analyzes close and controversial calls in sport, with great regard for the rules and spirit of the game. Developed from The Left Field Corner: MLB Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (UEFL), whose purpose is to objectively track and analyze umpire ejections, video instant replay reviews and their corresponding calls, with great regard for the rules and spirit of the game.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Just Back from DL, Jim Joyce Leaves Game with Leg Injury

Having just returned from injury, umpire Jim Joyce left Sunday's game in Seattle following a foul ball to the leg in the bottom of the 10th inning of the Blue Jays-Mariners contest. Joyce previously tore his calf muscle during a game on June 24, 2015 and, after finishing that contest, was placed on the umpires' Disabled List, with a prognosis for return of 3-4 weeks.

Joyce returned to game duty with his crew of Greg Gibson (who served as acting crew chief), Sam Holbrook, and Chad Fairchild on Friday, July 24 and worked home plate on Saturday. Sunday's injury to Joyce's right leg occurred during his third game back in service. Replays indicate the ball bounded to the left (foul) side of third base before striking Joyce on the right calf.

Footage of the Sunday TOR-SEA game indicated a limp prior to Joyce's removal from the game. During Saturday's contest, Joyce appeared to have also been attempting to stretch or exercise his leg.